Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Will and Linda Buddenhagen in loving memory of Linda's mother, Elizabeth Shapleigh Rising, and grandmother, Agnes Bartlett Mercer.

Ushers: Lucie and Mark Gallagher.

Chalice Lighters: Pat Bashford and Ann Kemp.

Coffee Hour Hosts: Maureen Adams, Lee McLaughlin, Jack and Lorraine Adelman, and Ruth Pike Allen.

Harold Babcock will be visiting with Young Church classes this morning.

Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given by Tom and Tempa Pagel in remembrance of Roberta Pagel, whose greatest joys were family, friends, and gardening.

Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Mary Wilkins Haslinger in loving memory of her grandparents, Mayor Gayden W. Morrill and Margaret Dodge Morrill.

Ushers: John Lavoie and Ray Coutu.

Coffee Hour Hosts: Bob Allison, Nancy Sullivan, Jonathan March, Jeanne Anderson, Richard Anderson, and David and Marilyn Archibald.

FRS Current Events Forum: 9:30 in Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room; the topic is Torture v. The Geneva Convention; Bush v. McCain.

Committee Sunday: All of the church committees will set up in the Parish Hall during coffee hour. Committee members will be available to give you information about what they do, who they are and how you can get more actively involved in the community.

• Saturday, September 23, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 23, 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Sunday, September 24, 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 30, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sign up today for the Vision Meetings by filling out an insert in the Order of Service, filling out an online form (http://www.frsuu.org/vision.htm#Sign-up) or by calling the church office at (978) 465-0602 x 401.

Through lecture and discussion, we'll discover what Freemasonry is today, its medieval origins, and its historical development. What are Masonic myths, legends, and historical facts? How did it contribute to founding the United States? What does Masonry contribute to religious liberty and tolerance? What has been the Masonic presence and experience in Newburyport and Amesbury, from 1766 to today? How do popular books and films The DaVinci Code and National Treasure present Masonry? Bring your questions and let's talk. Deadline October 9.

More on Shared Ministry Groups: The Tuesday 10 - 11:30 shared ministry group, under Bettina Turner's, has openings. Please call the office if interested in joining.

Background: The ongoing genocide in Darfur began in 2003. Government sponsored Arab militias, called Janjaweed, raid villages on horseback, camel, and jeeps; they are supported by government aircraft that bomb the villages. Janjaweed militia rape, mutilate and shoot fleeing villagers, including infants and children, then burn the villages, making return impossible. An estimated 2.5 million Darfurians have been displaced and as many as 400,000 murdered. The international community is not doing enough to effectively stop the massacre - the attacks have actually increased in intensity over the past months. To raise awareness of this situation, a film documentary of the Darfur crisis will be shown at 8:00 p.m. followed by a presentation of simple actions individuals and communities can take to help stop the violence. For more information contact FRS parishioner Becky Dill at merrimackvalleyfordarfur@gmail.com.

Young Church Orientation
Sunday, September 24 - after church - Lower Meeting House. All parents new to FRS are strongly encouraged to attend our Young Church Orientation. This will be an opportunity for you to meet the Director of Religious Education and other parents, as well as to hear about our program and Unitarian Universalist religious education philosophy. Grab some coffee next door, then come to the Lower Meeting House. The session will end by 12:30.

First Friday Family Night
Friday, October 6 - 6:30 - 8:30 - Lower Meeting House. All families welcome! Come for make-your-own sundaes and Halloween games or crafts. More details forthcoming, but for now . . . save the date!

Family Service Day
Saturday, October 14 - from 9:00 until 1:00 p.m. Families of all sizes are invited to participate in our first-ever service day. Families can work on a project such as yard cleanup for the elderly, then gather at Moseley Woods for lunch and some fun. Sign up sheets will be posted in the Parish Hall for those who are interested, and please also let us know if you know of a project that needs doing. Hope to see you there!

Answer: "As early as 1785 a committee had been appointed to examine the condition of the now old meeting house. It was showing signs of much use and decay . . . the building was growing more and more dilapidated . . . The construction of the new house took somewhat over a year . . ." Early in October 1801 the old meeting house was demolished. (FRS History, Volume 1- pgs 41 - 47)

New Question: How much money did Newburyport pay the First Religions Society for the purchase of the land where the original church building was constructed? The property is now Market Square.

The answer to this, and many other questions, can be found in the two-volume history of the First Religious Society. Boxed sets of the history are available at $40.00 from the FRS office, open from 9:00 a.m. to noon weekdays during the summer.

From Emmaus, Inc.: Emmaus, Inc wishes to thank you for your recent donation of $425.00. Emmaus continues to make great strides in tackling the complex issues surrounding homelessness. Our new 4-unit apartment building will provide permanent affordable housing for homeless families. It is our hope that the new "Applewood Apartments" will become a bridge between homelessness and home ownership for low-income working families. Our doors are always open to our donors. We wish to invite you to tour our buildings and learn more about our rich history, worthy mission, and expansive vision for the future. One-hour tours are offered twice each month on the first Tuesday from 8 - 9:00 am and the second Wednesday from 4 - 5 pm. Please call to let us know if you plan to attend a tour.

Emmaus, Inc is proud of all our accomplishments. We have built a comprehensive continuum of services that addresses the needs of homeless families and individuals. This was made possible by the many generous and faithful individuals and organizations who have supported Emmaus throughout our twenty year history. Thank you for your generosity. I have the honor of being, Sincerely yours, Jeanine T. Murphy, Executive Director

Handwritten beneath: Thank you all for your compassion to those in such need! We are proud to be available to families and individuals in the entire North Shore area! Peace.

Our resources prevent us from caring for children under the age of one at this time. We welcome these "babes in arms" into the worship service. Indeed, the peaceful coo of a baby is for many a welcome enhancement to their Sunday morning experience.

However, we also provide a rocking chair in the vestibule for those times that it is necessary to calm your child or to just let him or her move around. A speaker in the vestibule allows you to hear the worship service.

While families with young children are welcome to sit in the balcony facing the choir, they need to be aware that sound carries well from this area. Concerns also frequently are expressed about children leaning over the edge of the balcony.

We do ask all friends and members of the First Religious Society to bear in mind that for many, this is the only hour in the week for quiet reflection, and we request your assistance in helping us to maintain a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Your child's early experiences in church may form his or her attitude towards church and Sunday school in later years. We recognize the importance, therefore, of providing children ages one to three with warm, welcoming, consistent nursery care. Our nursery care provider has become a beloved figure in the life of our children in the nursery. Though it sometimes takes a couple of weeks for children to get used to being in the nursery, virtually all come to love it. We hope that you will take advantage of this wonderful service.

Your child is invited to begin in a religious education class when he or she turns three. Please speak with Julie to learn more about our program.

Thank you for being here! We look forward to getting to know you and your family.

Lisa Earle McLeod, President of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett (Georgia), and syndicated columnist, writes about Rev. Dowd: "Way beyond cool! This was the best presentation I have ever seen in my life. And I am not kidding. Michael confirmed every hunch I ever had about the universe. A logical and inspirational description of how science and spirituality intersect in the common plane of humanity. I've heard hundreds of speakers and I've never learned as much in one hour. I understood and absorbed every single word. Invite everybody you know and be prepared for him to blow your mind!"

The First Unitarian Society of Exeter is located 12 Elm St., Exeter, N.H.

Friday, September 29, 2006. "Islam in the Public Square" by Professor Bruce Lawrence, chair of the Religion department at Duke University. Professor Lawrence is the author of several books on the Muslim world, including "Shattering the Myth," and is co-editor of "Messages to the World: Statements of Osama Bin Laden." 7:00 p.m. Academy Building, Phillips Exeter Academy, 53 Front St., Exeter NH. Handicapped accessible.

Friday, October 6, 2006. "Dispelling the Myths about Islam: Finding Spiritual Common Ground in the 21st Century" by Ahmed Bedier, Central Florida Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Mr. Bedier lectures frequently on Islam, media relations, civil rights, hate crimes, and the Mideast. He advocates the midstream Muslim position on issues. 8:00 p.m. First Unitarian Society of Exeter 12 Elm St., Exeter, NH. Handicapped accessible.

Date and time to be announced. "An Inter-religious Dialogue: After September 11, the New Agenda" by Susannah Heschel, Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College. Professor Heschel is author of "Inside/Outside: American Jews and Multiculturalism." Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front St., Exeter NH Handicapped accessible.

For more on Cradle to Crayons see www.cradlestocrayons.org.

Worship ("The Good Luck Legend") will be led by the Rev. Edmund Robinson and members of the First Church in Belmont, MA. The day's program will also include a workshop by the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Strong ("Remember Universalism into Life,"), a presentation by the Rev. Richard Trudeau ("The Tragedy, and the Glory, of Christianity,"), a panel of "old-time Universalists" reflecting on how Universalism as they remember it differs from today's UUism, and an optional car-pool to one or more Dorchester Universalist sites led by Phil Lindsay. The day will run from 8:30 to 4:30 and include food (continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack) and lots of good conversation.

Cost: $25 per person--includes continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

See http://www.nmuc.org/AnnualMeeting.htm for more information.